dimple yoga : transform your life with yoga

Yoga is an ancient science and healing art of self-realisation coming from India and dating back some 5000 years. Classical yoga is defined by the great Indian sage Patanjali in eight stages. The first two stages are ethical disciplines (Yamas and Niyamas). Then come postures (Asanas in Sanskrit) and breathing exercises (Pranayama). The last four limbs are meditative stages: withdrawals & control of the senses (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and enlightenment (Samadhi).

Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breath control) are merely used as the tools with which to master all 8 limbs of Patanjali's Ashtanga yoga. By mastering the body you open the gates to mastery of the mind. In the west the most practiced limb of yoga is Hatha Yoga (asanas - the physical component). There are many styles of Hatha Yoga differences usually being about emphasis.

Some share a common lineage. In fact, the founders of three major styles - Astanga Vinyasa, Iyengar and Viniyoga -- were all students of Krishnamacharya, a famous teacher at the Yoga Institute at the Mysore Palace in India. Remember, no style is better than another; it's simply a matter of personal preference. More important than any style is the student-teacher relationship. Ultimately you can reach your destination using a number of routes depending on your time and your preference, but it is your guide, your compass - the teacher - that points you in the right direction ensuring you don't get lost and feel supported.

The two dominant styles that Dimple teaches are: Astanga Vinyasa both Mysore Style and Led classes, together with Iyengar style yoga, She also teaches dimpleyoga^TM a creative blend drawing upon these two traditions with a strong philosophical slant, building the bridge between being on your mat and busy city living.

Astanga Vinyasa was developed by Sri K Pattabhi Jois and involves working in a set sequence of postures synchronizing 'movement with breath' - Vinyasa The breath is the essence of this discipline and helps to link one asana (posture) to another. Practicing Vinyasa with Mula and Uddiyana Bandhas (internal locks) produces an internal heat that purifies the blood, organs and muscles thus eliminating unwanted toxins, as well as releasing beneficial minerals and hormones to nourish the body. By working with the Ujjayi Pranayama (victorious breath) helps one to still the mind, bringing the practice into a moving meditation. I see it as a beautiful dance and celebration with the breath. The result is a light strong body, a steady and calm mind and a wonderful, wonderful sense of well-being.

The Iyengar method of Yoga was developed by BKS Iyengar and is initially learnt through the in-depth study of asanas (posture) and pranayama (breath control). With this method one works with precision in alignment to increase overall awareness whilst moving the mind into stillness. This is really great as a body therapy and the intensity and depth of the practise allows the student to break old patterns of behaviour finding zest and vitality in life.